From all around the earth lie many natural health-promoting herbs, plants, roots, and more. For centuries, humans have been using natural remedies for nutrition, pleasure, and healing. Today, let me introduce the health benefits of Mauby Bark tea. This special tea that is native to the Caribbean islands is believed to be a powerfully detoxifying, yet refreshing drink.
One of my favorite things to do is study and experiment with natural remedies from across the world. Mauby has been an interesting treasure that I've found to be a taste that is quite different but has grown on me and a delightful experience boosting my mood and energy and even reducing inflammation- one of my favorite benefits!
This delicious drink is prized for many more medicinal properties. It is extremely affordable, too! Read on to find out the history, flavor, preparations, and health benefits of Mauby.
Some of the most potent natural remedies can be found in the history of our earth as discovered by our ancestors. Before technology and the official scientific studies of modern times, the original inhabitants of the earth discovered many of the remarkable benefits of plants in nature.
In recent years, we have had the ability to study and document many of these amazing benefits that our ancestors originally discovered.
Returning to our roots and referring to the incredible intelligence of the planet is a powerful way to return to health.
One of my favorite things to do is discover and try different drinks and ancient remedies.
From Japanese Matcha and Hojicha to South American Yerba Mate, tea has been used medicinally for centuries across the world. Mauby Bark Tea is no different and packed with incredible benefits.
Origins
The mauby drink comes from the bark of the mauby tree. The Mauby tree, Colubrina elliptica or Colubrina arborescens, is a small tree native to Northern Caribbean countries as well as South Florida in the United States. Locals call the plant by many different names including Snakewood, Greenheart, Hogplum, and Nakedwood.
The tree is a small evergreen tree that is abundant in the Caribbean region. Its trunk is about 4 feet around and stands 10 to 15 feet tall. The leaves are sparse and its tree bark is heavy and dense. The colors of the bark range from light to dark brown, depending on which region it is found.
Similar to the name of the Mauby Tree, the bark is known differently in each region in which it grows. In Trinidad and Barbados, the bark is known as Mauby. The Virgin Islands and the Dutch Caribbean refer to it as Maubi. In the Dominican Republic and Haiti, it is known as Mabi, and in Puerto Rico, it is known as Mavi. The difference is names are slight, and even the pronunciation is similar. This is likely due to the varying languages and cultures.
History Of Mauby Bark Tea
Since the early 1900s, Mauby has been a popular drink in Caribbean towns. Local vendors would make specialized tea from the bark of the Mauby tree with sugar water and various herbs and spices and sell it in large bowls in a local market.
Some would ferment the tea, while others would make a fresh brew. Nowadays, commercial manufacturers often make Mauby into syrup form, soft drinks, and even a mixer in tropical alcoholic beverages.
(Note: be careful of the syrup and soft drinks, as many of the poor-quality versions use preservatives and highly processed additives. This negates the intended health benefits of the tonic! Always check ingredients)
For centuries, this traditional drink made from the bark of a tree has been used as a folk remedy as well as a refreshing beverage. The tea and extracts have been used for medical purposes and prescribed by many traditional folk medicine practitioners. It is also thought to have spiritual and energetic implications. It is said it can align and open the chakras.
Health Benefits
Mauby has been used for years, medicinally for many purposes. There are limited scientific studies done on this traditional drink. Until recently, it hasn't been acknowledged in the modern medical community. In these recent studies, scientists have found polyphenols and other nutrients that have anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant properties. The extraordinary mauby tea benefits include:
- Reduces the symptoms of arthritis and chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties are one of the most popular mauby bark benefits. Consumers report a reduction in joint pain and an overall incidence of improved joint health.
- Improves immune system function. Mauby is rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamins C and A, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium. These contribute to the body's strengthened immune defenses.
- Improves heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing high blood pressure, and cleaning the arteries. These are important factors in reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Relieves digestive issues, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. In fact, many believe that it kills pathogens like food-borne illnesses and parasites, which are common causes of digestive upset. It also improves blood flow and reduces inflammation which naturally contributes to healthy digestion.
- Weight loss and improved metabolism are impacted when taking mauby tea, especially when combined with guava leaf in the initial preparation. There should be no side effects and can be used daily to help achieve a healthy weight.
- One of the most ancient uses of this potent tea is for relaxation and improved sexual desire. The aphrodisiac properties are likely due to improved blood flow.
- Many believe it has the ability to reverse urinary tract infections. This may be due to its diuretic properties. These properties also help improve kidney function and reduce water retention and bloating.
- The detoxification properties encourage the body to expel toxins from the body through the urine and bowels. This also helps reduce the risk of stones in the gallbladder and kidney. This is primarily due to a component called anthraquinone.
- When paired with coconut water, studies have shown that Mauby benefits the heart by maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
- The anti-inflammatory properties also lend anti-carcinogenic properties.
- While refreshing and relaxing, this drink can also be energizing and help increase stamina and endurance in performance athletes.
While considered safe with minimal side effects for many people, it is always important to discuss all changes with a healthcare professional. Also, studies are limited on the impact of mauby bark on health and wellness.
Most claims are made from anecdotal evidence and traditions passed down for generations. Hopefully, soon modern-day scientists will conduct more thorough studies to document these incredible health experiences.
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Flavor
Mauby is a bitter bark and its tea has a unique flavor. Many describe the drink as tasting similar to root beer with a strong aftertaste, depending on the preparation methods and spices used. Initially, it has a sweet taste, with a bitter aftertaste to follow. Some may even describe it as an acquired taste.
Mauby ingredients commonly include different variations of spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, aniseed, cloves, bay leaves, nutmeg, and orange peel. The combination of star anise and aniseed tends to give it a black licorice flavor!
In order to avoid the bitter taste of the bark, be sure to not boil the bark for longer than 5 minutes. Mauby can be served hot, but many proclaim it is best served over ice. It can also be mixed with coconut milk or the milk of your choice. It is often sweetened with your choice of natural sweetener. We recommend a natural sweetener like raw honey, pure maple syrup, organic monk fruit, or organic stevia. For those who want to avoid sugar, opt for pure monk fruit or stevia!
Preparation
Boil the Mauby Bark with your choice of whole or ground spices and herbs. Different herbs and spices are used for flavor and for additional medicinal benefits. This is due to the varying presence of beneficial compounds in each spice.
For instance, cinnamon is incredible at helping balance blood sugar levels as well as reducing acidity. Read about how cinnamon can help reduce the acidity in coffee and other beverages. Be sure to use Ceylon Cinnamon to reap the most benefits! Also, check out our comparison of the acidity in tea vs coffee! I always recommend adding Ceylon cinnamon to tea and coffee.
In my opinion, it not only adds to the health benefits but creates a warm and inviting aroma, second to none.
Cover, and leave the boiled bark and spices to steep for at least several hours and up to a few days, depending on preference. After steeping, this mixture is referred to as "concentrated mauby". At this point, it is often very bitter. Strain the tea using a fine mesh strainer into a glass mason jar or into your teacup.
Pour one cup of the concentrated mauby into a larger pitcher or container and dilute it with at least 8 cups of purified water or coconut water. You can add more water if you feel the tea is becoming too strong.
For a tonic, rather than tea, use only 6 cups of liquid.
Drink small amounts of the tonic unsweetened for the amazing health benefits mentioned above.
You can store it in the fridge and take a swig every so often as needed or desired. Many use it as a tonic for anti-inflammatory, energy, and digestion.
Sweeten the tea, as desired. Depending on the sweetener you use, add small amounts and taste until you have reached your desired flavor.
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Tips
If you want to make a single cup of Mauby, use a ¼ cup of concentrate and approximately 1.5-2 cups of water to dilute. You can also save and reuse the bark after boiling it! This makes it a very affordable remedy or drink for many occasions.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed medical doctor before making changes to your diet or medical regimen.
Have you tried Mauby tea? We love it! What is your favorite way to prepare it? How has it helped you? Please share with us in the comments below! Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the best up to date info and recipes from a Holistic Nutrition Specialist!
Many blessings,
Natalie
Adrienne says
I am confused. It saws first to brew for no more than 5 minutes, then later it saws to brew for several hours or overnight.
Natalie Perry says
I understand. Initially, boil the bark for several hours or overnight, then steep for a few minutes with other herbs or flavors if you desire for the tea. If you are in a hurry, don't worry, however long you boil the bark will work as long as its at least 30 minutes before steeping. The most benefits are when the bark is boiled for a longer time but benefits still exist in shorter spans. Let me know how it goes for you!